HONG KONG ANNUAL REPORT, 1953
craft ranging from ocean going tugs to motor boats and all except two of these are fitted with radio telephony or wireless telegraphy. One craft is fitted with radar. The organization also includes task forces such as the Emergency Units, Railway Police Unit, Airport Police Unit, Waterfront Searching Unit, village penetration patrols and squad vehicles equipped with radio, and hawker squads.
The Criminal Investigation Division comprises the Detective Branch, which is responsible for the detection of crime and the coordination of special measures for its prevention, and the Special Branch which is responsible for the prevention and detection of subversive activities. It also controls and operates the Immigration department, the Registry of Aliens and the Registry of Approved Societies.
Recruitment and Training. There is no lack of suitable local recruits for the rank and file, and a high educational and physical standard is obtained. All ranks undergo a period of six months training at the Police Training School. The syllabus includes law and police duties, drill and weapon train- ing (including the use of tear smoke), unarmed combat and first aid. Additional volunteers are trained in life saving, and the Marine Police recruits in seamanship, port regulations and signalling. All Chinese recruits are taught basic English at the School and this is followed by more advanced lessons during subsequent service. All non-Chinese members of the Force have to qualify in Chinese as part of their efficiency tests.
A total of 656 recruits of all ranks completed their training during the year.
Crime. As in recent years, the problems of the police were aggravated by the increased population, economic distress, and export restrictions, which created evasion and corruption. But crime has been kept in check and the quality of both preventive and detective work has been high.
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